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- Tasks: Inspect and audit high-risk business premises for fire safety compliance.
- Company: Join the fantastic Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days' holiday, lifestyle discounts, and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills in fire safety.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 48000 £ per year.
Job Description
The starting salary for this position is £41,585 per annum based on a 36 hour working week.
The fantastic Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are looking for people to carry out the vital role of a Fire Safety Inspecting Officer, based out of either Walton or Farnham Fire Station Business Fire Safety Offices. This opportunity welcomes applications from people who have a background and expertise in compliance and regulation.
Rewards and Benefits
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role
Are you passionate about making a difference to the communities of Surrey?
As a Business Fire Safety Inspector your role will be to inspect and audit high and very high-risk business premises in Surrey to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 on behalf of the fire authority. You will support the Protection Teams to deliver the objectives of the Risk Based Inspection Programme, ensuring that buildings, and the people that use them, are safer through education and enforcement. You will be supported by an experienced team, made up of operational and civilian backgrounds and experience. As you progress in the role you will be required to obtain further specialist and technical knowledge in fire safety which will be overseen by a Fire Safety Manager.
This role will involve engaging with various partners and business owners to lead and support people to lawfully resolve regulatory fire safety matters, ensuring compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. You will also be responsible for educating businesses and fire teams, ensuring shared understanding of risks. You will carry out consultations, inspection and audit regimes, follow up visits, and decide on appropriate enforcement levels based on audit outcomes.
A typical day in this important role will see the Business Fire Safety Inspector assessing risks and hazards associated with fire, evaluating measures in place to protect people and premises, influencing and supporting businesses to act on recommendations and, where appropriate, reporting breaches and taking required enforcement actions.
You will need to be able to demonstrate a calm, confident and resilient approach to sometimes unpredictable, challenging or dangerous situations while maintaining respect for others.
Shortlisting Criteria
This role will require you to be flexible, respond positively to change and be prepared for continuous learning and professional development throughout your career. The regulations governing the fire safety aspects of buildings are frequently evolving and you will need to ensure that you keep up to date. A reasonable level of physical fitness and mobility is necessary as you will be required to inspect multiple areas of a building and take equipment with you to carry out your role. This can also include walking around the surrounding areas as well as reviewing a building internally.
To be considered for shortlisting for this position your CV and answers to the questions below will clearly evidence:
- Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety
- Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety, or working towards this
- Knowledge of regulation or enforcement of fire safety legislation or similar
- Health and Safety qualifications and/or experience
- Experience in the fire safety arena or delivery of fire safety linked activities
- Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills Excellent report writing skills
- Ability to work effectively with technology and competence with basic software and IT equipment
- People and team leadership skills, as the role will offer opportunities to lead Advisors or Business Education Officers
- If successful further training and qualifications will be provided to enhance and support your development.
Application Questions (300 words max per answer):
- Please describe a time when you have led, engaged and motivated others, both within the Fire Service and externally, (please describe one situation where you have had to engage with both)
- Please describe your understanding of Fire Safety in the Workplace
- Please provide an example of where you have been open and flexible towards change, and lead participation in devising solutions to problems
- Please provide an example of where you have displayed a proactive approach to work and how you achieve a consistently high standard of work
- Please provide an example of when you have experienced conflict at work with a member of the public, or someone from another organisation, and explain how you managed this conflict
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. To arrange an informal discussion please contact Dawn St Leger by email at Dawn.St- or Rob Jenks at .
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 23rd August 2025 with shortlisting being completed the week commencing 25th August 2025. Interviews will take place after the week commencing 1st September 2025.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Fire Safety Inspecting Officer employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fire Safety Inspecting Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Understanding this legislation will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fire safety sector. Attend local fire safety seminars or workshops to meet people who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities within Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions by reflecting on your past experiences. Think of specific examples where you've demonstrated leadership, conflict resolution, and compliance knowledge, as these are key skills for a Fire Safety Inspecting Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and changes in fire safety regulations. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also show your proactive approach to continuous learning, which is highly valued in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Fire Safety Inspecting Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant qualifications such as the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety and Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety. Emphasise any experience you have in compliance, regulation, or fire safety activities.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: When responding to the application questions, use specific examples that showcase your leadership, communication skills, and ability to handle conflict. Keep your answers concise and focused on your achievements.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of fire safety regulations and legislation in your application. Mention any relevant health and safety qualifications or experiences that align with the role's requirements.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Fire Safety Legislation
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and other relevant fire safety legislation. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations apply to various business scenarios, as this will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Fire Safety Inspecting Officer, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Prepare examples that highlight your strong communication and influencing skills, especially in situations where you've had to educate or motivate others about fire safety compliance.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of instances where you've faced challenges in your previous roles, particularly in fire safety or compliance. Be ready to explain how you approached these problems, what solutions you implemented, and the outcomes of your actions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet, such as how you would handle a conflict with a business owner regarding fire safety compliance. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these types of scenarios.
